Black-Eyed Susans

As a sixteen-year-old, Tessa Cartwright was found in a Texas field, barely alive amid a scattering of bones, with only fragments of memory as to how she got there. Ever since, the press has pursued her as the lone surviving “Black-Eyed Susan,” the nickname given to the murder victims because of the yellow carpet of wildflowers that flourished above their shared grave. Tessa’s testimony about those tragic hours put a man on death row.

Now, almost two decades later, Tessa is an artist and single mother. In the desolate cold of February, she is shocked to discover a freshly planted patch of black-eyed susans—a summertime bloom—just outside her bedroom window. Terrified at the implications—that she sent the wrong man to prison and the real killer remains at large—Tessa turns to the lawyers working to exonerate the man awaiting execution. But the flowers alone are not proof enough, and the forensic investigation of the still-unidentified bones is progressing too slowly. An innocent life hangs in the balance. The legal team appeals to Tessa to undergo hypnosis to retrieve lost memories—and to share the drawings she produced as part of an experimental therapy shortly after her rescue.

What they don’t know is that Tessa and the scared, fragile girl she was have built a fortress of secrets. As the clock ticks toward the execution, Tessa fears for her sanity, but even more for the safety of her teenaged daughter. Is a serial killer still roaming free, taunting Tessa with a trail of clues? She has no choice but to confront old ghosts and lingering nightmares to finally discover what really happened that night.

Shocking, intense, and utterly original, Black-Eyed Susans is a dazzling psychological thriller, seamlessly weaving past and present in a searing tale of a young woman whose harrowing memories remain in a field of flowers—as a killer makes a chilling return to his garden.

I have not read a lot of psychological thrillers but for some reason this one really draws me in. It sounds very intense and has received quite a handful of praises already so I definitely want to check this out.

Monday, July 27, 2015

She’s searching for answers to her past. They’re hunting her to save their future.

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.

At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.

When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie.

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past.

“Life is easier in black and white. It's the ambiguity of a world defined in grays that has stripped me of my confidence and left me powerless.”

I have read a lot of mixed reviews when it comes to Amy Plum and her first series Revenants. People either really loved it or hated it; I am in the first group. I loved the books for whatever reason and the covers are pretty much the most gorgeous covers I have ever seen. But despite loving the series, I tried to go into this book without any bias or high expectations because the plotline for this book is so completely different from Revenants so it would be unrealistic for me to assume I am automatically going to love this series as much.Remember World War III? No? Well that's because it has not happened yet in our lifetime. However, that is not what our protagonist Juneau was taught to believe her entire life. Juneau is part of a small clan in Alaska (easy to see where she gets her name about that little tidbit) and in this clan, Juneau was told that they were the survivors of World War III, a war that ended the world as we know it in 1984. According to her clan, the world ended about a decade before I was even born, so I guess if it were true, I probably would not be here. This turns out to be a big fat lie though which is pretty crazy to think about; how one's life was built entirely of lies. Learning the truth would be a huge shock, which it was for Juneau.Juneau's tribe lives away from civilization and technology, depending on their strong connection with nature. Now, while pretty much everything else about her life as been a lie, the connection to the natural world does seem to be true, as Juneau can do some pretty impressive things. Our male lead is Miles, the son of a pharmaceutical mogul. He is your typical spoiled rich kid who goes off on a crazy adventure to try to get back in his father's good graces. This adventure of his is of course his going after Juneau, though he does not really know what his father wants with her. Miles and Juneau are so completely different. They radiated animosity for each other for quite some time. Eventually, their relationship progressed, and it was done so wonderfully; no insta-love, which is refreshing to see in YA. Through most of the book, Miles actually thinks Juneau is insane because her behavior and how everything seems so new to her is something he just does not understand. Their constant banter made them very entertaining and I did like them as a couple.

“I'm lying here in a tent, pretending to be asleep but actually fearing for my life as I watch a bunny murderer have a conversation with our campfire.”

One problem I had with this book was that problems seemed to become resolved pretty quickly. Things just resolved too conveniently or there was sometimes a lack of any kind of build up, things just happened because they did, not for any reason. Also, the book is from both the perspectives of Miles and Juneau which I both liked and did not like. It was great seeing both their sides, but it made it harder to connect with each individually and their growth at times felt too abrupt. Miles also got some really short chapters at the beginning which I felt just ended and began suddenly and was just a tad awkward. The book ends on a dreaded cliffhanger. I see why authors choose to use them, but I do detest cliffhangers SO much! While I did not love this book, I did very much enjoy it. The concept was intriguing and I cannot wait to see what else lies in store for this series. I would definitely like to learn more about Juneau's clan.

“I want to be someone she respects. Admires. But in order for that to happen, I'm going to have to change. To become stronger. As strong as her.”

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne… it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

“There’s sweetness in evil,” he said. “And remember, looks can be deceiving.”

Jennifer L. Armentrout is very popular in the bookworld. Most of my friends on GoodReads, and a lot of the BookTubers I watch as well, all rave about her books. I had previously read one of her books a couple years ago and I enjoyed it but for some reason never read anything else by her. So I decided it was high time I read another book by Armentrout and therefore, I gave into the hype.While White Hot Kiss has similar elements to every other paranormal romance out there, Armentrout still found a way to make the story unique. Layla, our protagonist, is half demon and half Warden, which is a creature similar to gargoyles. It was this Warden aspect that I found unique because I have never read anything about gargoyles/gargoyle-like creatures. It was definitely something different and caught my attention immediately. Layla does not have much to do with her demon half. She has been raised by a group of Wardens from a young age. However, even though the Wardens took her in, they are still wary of Layla. Demons and Wardens are natural enemies so a lot of the Wardens find it hard to look past her demon blood, despite the fact that Layla herself hates that part of her. Zayne, the son of the head Warden who raised Layla, is the only one who seems to truly care for her and see her for who she is, not what is in her blood. Naturally, Layla would have a crush on him. However, there are more complications than just the fact that Zayne is kind of her brother, in the sense that they grew up together.Being part demon means that Layla inherited some demon abilities; Layla cannot kiss anyone because by doing so, she would suck out their soul and they would die. So, Wardens have souls therefore Layla cannot really do much about this crush. But that's okay because hey, introduce Roth and what is sure to be the inevitable love triangle found in most YA novels.Roth is a demon, an upper level one at that. And of course, he dark, sexy, and mysterious. Also, he's a demon and does not have a soul so if Layla really wants to kiss someone, he's pretty much her only option. When it comes to love triangles, I am not a big fan. But I feel like there is only one way to go in this case, but I've only read book one so who knows what crazy stuff happens later on.I am going to have to admit here that I seem to be part of the minority; everyone swoons over the characters' sexiness and the cover and I am sitting here like, I don't care if they're hot, and then I feel weird like there's something wrong with me xD The point of saying this is that I am bad and sometimes judge books by their covers. A large majority of the time, if I see a book with a steamy cover like this one, I do not pick it up. This is because in the past, I gave books with similar covers a chance because the plot sounded amazing. However, I was usually disappointed as the whole book revolved around a romance, and a bad one at that, and failed to live up to everything else it promised. I was too intrigued by this book to just cast it aside though and gave it a chance which I am glad I did because this book, unlike others, lived up to everything it promised. Anyway, even though I did not go absolutely gaga over the book and did not drool over the gorgeous characters, I did very much enjoy it. It was different and had me hooked. I definitely do not regret giving into the hype and plan on reading book two very soon.

Once again, the world is on the brink of momentous change. As revolutionary organization Saoirse prepares to battle the government for control of Earth and Novo, Ariana and those she loves must join humanity’s fight for justice and freedom.

As haunted memories resurface, old discoveries and new realities conspire to shatter her world forever.

Torn in one direction by her unique connection to childhood sweetheart Zane, and pulled in the other by a relentless passion for her fiery fiancé Cal, she must make the hardest decision of all. While embarking on a road to self-discovery, her psychic gift evolves and the full extent of her powerful ability is revealed.

Then fate lands another savage blow and she faces the most horrific choice of all. Forced into striking a deal with the enemy, she must make the ultimate personal sacrifice or risk everything she holds dear.

When destiny finally rears its head, what will the future hold?

I cannot put my love for Siobhan Davis' True Calling series into words. I fell in love with the characters, the world and everything that makes this series unique when I read the first page of the first book. I would like to thank the author for providing me with ARCs and allowing me to participate in her blog tours as well as the Novo Squad.So much happened in this book! It took me awhile to wrap my mind around everything. It was full of surprises and always had me on the edge of my seat. Packing a lot into one book usually results in the book coming across as rushed and sloppy, but Davis was able to pack all the action in beautifully! Not once did anything feel rushed or forced, and everything that was occurring had an important role in the plot, nothing was filler.I loved how the story alternated between the perspectives of Cal, Ari and Zane. I have to say though, I was never a big fan of Cal's hate to say his sections did not make me like him any better. He is very hotheaded, which I understand is not entirely his fault but I cannot seem to get over how much of a jerk he is at times. Also, I know he is a teenage boy but come on, he had been separated from the love of his life for awhile and finds out she is missing and practically the first thing that comes to his mind is how big her breasts have gotten. Really Cal??Being the final book in the series, it is inevitable that Ari has to finally decide if she wants to be with her new love Cal or her first love Zane. And her decision broke some hearts, including mine. But that's all I will say on that.Ari herself grows a lot as a character in this book which is great. In order for a book to be considered good, in my opinion, there has to be character development. Ari can be stubborn but she really grows and matures, her situation and life kind of forces her to. She learns to use and control her psychic powers which are pretty awesome and created some amazing scenes in the book. This book was such an emotional roller coaster. It tugs at your heart strings and messes with your feelings but it is so wonderful. The writing is brilliant and flows wonderfully. There is never a dull moment so you never want to put the book down (I know I didn't want to). Davis brings the series to a close with an epilogue that ties everything together perfectly. While I was saddened that my choice in the love triangle lost out, I think he does pretty well for himself in the end. The True Calling series was a fantastic ride to experience. Along the way some beloved friends were lost, hearts were broken, secrets were revealed, and chaos ensued, but in the end everything worked out. I look forward to more by Davis as she easily made this one of my favorite series and I cannot do anything but expect more great stories from her.

Mechanica

Nicolette’s awful stepsisters call her “Mechanica” to demean her, but the nickname fits: she learned to be an inventor at her mother’s knee. Her mom is gone now, though, and the Steps have turned her into a servant in her own home.

But on her sixteenth birthday, Nicolette discovers a secret workshop in the cellar and begins to dare to imagine a new life for herself. Could the mysterious books and tools hidden there—and the mechanical menagerie, led by a tiny metal horse named Jules—be the key to escaping her dreary existence? With a technological exposition and royal ball on the horizon, the timing might just be perfect for Nicolette to earn her freedom at last.

Gorgeous prose and themes of social justice and family shine in this richly imagined Cinderella retelling about an indomitable inventor who finds her prince . . . but realizes she doesn't want a fairy tale happy ending after all.

I can easily give two short and sweet reasons why I want to read this book:One: It is a fairytale retelling and I have been loving those lately (The plot has me very intrigued)And two: The cover is so gorgeous!

Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.

Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.

Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell…

I literally just finished reading the first book in this series and downloaded the next one from the library right before I started writing this post. I was so hooked by White Hot Kiss and cannot wait to read the second book which I should be done with before this book comes out! I am so glad that I do not have to wait that long as this book comes out at the end of the month.

Blurb:Every choice has a consequence.Once again, the world is on the brink of momentous change. As revolutionary organization Saoirse prepares to battle the government for control of Earth and Novo, Ariana and those she loves must join humanity’s fight for justice and freedom.
As haunted memories resurface, old discoveries and new realities conspire to shatter her world forever. Torn in one direction by her unique connection to childhood sweetheart Zane, and pulled in the other by a relentless passion for her fiery fiancé Cal, she must make the hardest decision of all. While embarking on a road to self-discovery, her psychic gift evolves and the full extent of her powerful ability is revealed.
Then fate lands another savage blow and she faces the most horrific choice of all. Forced into striking a deal with the enemy, she must make the ultimate personal sacrifice or risk everything she holds dear.When destiny finally rears its head, what will the future hold?

Planet Novo, nestled in space twelve hundred miles above the surface of the Earth, is the new home of 17-year-old Cadet Ariana Skyee. Confused by the government-sanctioned memory erase and distressed at her impending forced marriage and motherhood, Ariana’s plans for the future are thrown into complete disarray.As the traumatic events within her family life enfold, Ariana grows increasingly alarmed at the authorities apparent pre-occupation with her and feels progressively more isolated and alone.Her growing feelings for fellow Cadet Cal Remus intensify as the recently announced pageant, ‘The Calling’, gets underway. Struggling to comprehend the continuous, inexplicable dreams of the mysterious Zane, discovering the past helps shape her future, with devastating personal consequences.

About the Author:
Siobhan Davis is the author of YA science fiction romance series True Calling.
A self-diagnosed ‘teenager forever’—at least when it comes to books, music and movies; Siobhan is totally addicted to teen fiction and superhero/blockbuster movies. Siobhan loves baking, crime novels, shoes, bags, make-up, anti-wrinkle cream, anything pink, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Robert Pattinson (definitely Team Edward).
Siobhan has forged a successful corporate career, in Human Resources, over the last twenty years.
A member of the IWI writers group, Siobhan resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.
Contact Siobhan at: www.siobhandavis.com

Sample chapters, quotes, reviews and book excerpts are all available to download from the authors website

There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Destiny Rising. These are the prizes you can win:
- e-copies of the whole True calling series by Siobhan Davis. Which is the following books: True Calling, Lovestruck, Beyond Reach, Light of a Thousand Stars and Destiny Rising.
- one 10$ amazon gift card

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Hello everyone!So I just wanted to do a post sharing the books I read in the month of June. Some of these books I have already posted reviews for while others I am still working on, so this post is really a sneak peek at the reviews to come (I am also slightly behind on reviews for books I read before this month so expect more than what is below)!If you have read any of the books mentioned, feel free to leave comments below with your thoughts. Also, if you have any recommendations for me leave those below as well. For all my followers from the U.S.A, happy Fourth of July! Enjoy the day but remember to stay safe :)

Spinning Starlight

Sixteen-year-old heiress and paparazzi darling Liddi Jantzen hates the spotlight. But as the only daughter in the most powerful tech family in the galaxy, it's hard to escape it. So when a group of men show up at her house uninvited, she assumes it's just the usual media-grubs. That is, until shots are fired.

Liddi escapes, only to be pulled into an interplanetary conspiracy more complex than she ever could have imagined. Her older brothers have been caught as well, trapped in the conduits between the planets. And when their captor implants a device in Liddi's vocal cords to monitor her speech, their lives are in her hands: One word and her brothers are dead.

Desperate to save her family from a desolate future, Liddi travels to another world, where she meets the one person who might have the skills to help her bring her eight brothers home-a handsome dignitary named Tiav. But without her voice, Liddi must use every bit of her strength and wit to convince Tiav that her mission is true. With the tenuous balance of the planets deeply intertwined with her brothers' survival, just how much is Liddi willing to sacrifice to bring them back?

Haunting and mesmerizing, this retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Wild Swans strings the heart of the classic with a stunning, imaginative world as a star-crossed family fights for survival in this companion to Stitching Snow.

I have just recently read Stitching Snow by R. C. Lewis, which was a retelling of the fairytale Snow White and I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!
I devoured the book in two sittings at the public library and it was fantastic so I clearly am ecstatic for the release of another one of Lewis' retellings, though I am unfamiliar with Christian Andersen's The Wild Swans so I will probably read that tale beforehand so I can properly enjoy Spinning Starlight.